What is the difference between HR software and payroll software in Singapore?

Payroll software handles salary calculations, CPF contributions, and IR8A submissions — it is a subset of what HR software covers. HR software (or HRIS) includes payroll as one module alongside a broader set of people management functions: employee records, leave, attendance, onboarding, performance, and reporting. For Singapore businesses managing more than five employees, an integrated HRIS with a payroll engine is typically more cost-effective and audit-ready than running separate payroll and HR tools.